Duterte visits wake of slain Scout Rangers

Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday paid his respects to fallen Scout Rangers Capt. Rommel Sandoval and Private First Class Sherwin Canapi, the latest government casualties in the war against Maute terrorists in Marawi.

Sandoval and Canapi were killed in action during a clearing operation in Brgy Sangcay, Dansalan, Marawi last Sunday.

Straight from his late evening flight from Davao, the President went straight to the wake of Sandoval and Canapi at the mortuary of the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

He was accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año, and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon.

Sandoval, a graduate of PMA Class 2005, was the commanding officer of the 11th Scout Ranger Company, 4th Scout Ranger Battalion, First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Operations Command of the Philippine Army.

He was married with one son.

Canapi, meanwhile, served in the Philippine Army for seven years prior to his death.

Duterte posthumously awarded to the fallen soldiers the Order of Lapu Lapu, rank of Kalasag.

The award is given to those who lost their lives while pursuing the campaign or advocacy of the President.